Ruud-Jan Kokke Slat Chair, the Netherlands, 1986 (sold)
Ruud-Jan Kokke Slat Chair, the Netherlands, 1986 (sold)
Designed by Ruud-Jan Kokke, this slat chair was produced by the Dutch manufacturer Spectrum, in 1986 as part of their series called “Kokke-Chairs”.
The frame is manually assembled and it is made of oak, while the resilient slats are made of sprung ashwood. The slats that comprise the seat and backrest cross in a refined manner, showing the creative design of Kokke and the precision of the manufacturer.
In line with Kokke’s design philosophy, this chair is strong and comfortable, produced with refined technique. The Kokke slat chairs exemplify that a thorough knowledge of materials paired with well thought out construction benefit the form. This model is particularly successful in reaching a balance between material, form and functionality.
This chair model is included in various museum collections, including the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Museum für Angewandte Kunst in Cologne, and the Design Museum in Copenhagen.
The model was reintroduced by Spectrum in 2011 and is currently being manufactured in small series.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
20.08 in W x 20.48 in D x 28.94 in H; Seat height 16.15 in
51 cm W x 52 cm D x 73.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
About the designer:
Ruud-Jan Kokke was born in 1956 in Velp, The Netherlands. He completed his studies at the Social Academy in Enschede and the Academy of Visual Arts in Arnhem. In 1986, Kokke established his own design firm, Ruud-Jan Kokke Product & Design, commonly only referred to as ‘Kokke’. Since the establishment of his firm, Kokke’s furniture designs have been produced by companies such as Spectrum, Mobach and Kembo.
His first interior designs date from the 1990s and have established the designer as a prominent figure in contemporary Dutch design. In addition to autonomous products, Ruud-Jan also collaborates with other designers for the décor of schools, companies, government buildings and public areas. His designs can be found in the Chabot Museum, the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, and many of Arnhem’s public spaces, including the Arnhem Museum.
Kokke has a strong and articulated design philosophy that revolves around the balance of simplicity and functionality. Despite – or perhaps actually because – their simplicity and obviousness, his designs inevitably attract the attention. His designs present high technical and visual quality with an inventive character. Kokke’s work has been awarded many times, both nationally and internationally. Several of his designs have already been characterized as design classics and are included in the collections of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare materials and structural elements over decorative design. It originated post–World War II, when low-cost housing and government buildings were composed of mainly raw, unrefined materials. Similarly, in furniture design, Brutalism inspired creators to follow the same look of deliberate simplicity, rawness and strength.
These chairs reflect the deliberate simplicity, rawness and strength sought out by the creators of Brutalist pieces. Without any heavy ornamentation, the focus falls on the natural materials, the authenticity being celebrated, rather than disguised or embellished. This choice of pine not only aligns with the organic principles of Brutalism, but it also contributes to the chairs' overall longevity in both form and function. Each chair is constructed from dark-stained wood, with legs and backrests that appear hand cut rather than machined. The robust, slightly irregular forms emphasise the hand of the maker, lending the chairs a distinctly tactile, grounded character. The proportions are harmonious, with the backs that widen towards the top, and mirroring splayed tripod legs. The beauty of craftsmanship is evident in every detail of this set. The resulting union of form and function exemplifies the marriage of beauty and useful design.
This set of chairs is ideal for a space that embraces authenticity and values materials in their natural form. Their clean look and rustic sensibility make them stand out without the need for embellishment, offering a quiet but impactful addition within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the chairs have some marks, scratches, dents and discolouration.
Dimensions:
16.73 in W x 15.74 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.33 in; Seat depth 16.92 in
42.5 cm W x 40 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm; Seat depth 43 cm